Spring cleaning promises clean windows, a clearing out of the winter dust and clutter, and with it, a new perspective, taking a deep breath and seeing the world with new eyes. Upstairs Artspace has planned an event to help you accomplish all of this while earning yourself a tax deduction in the bargain.

Friday, Saturday, Monday and Tuesday, May 6, 7, 9, and 10, not including Sunday, May 8, volunteers will be waiting between the hours of 1 – 4 p.m. at the former Mary & Morris, across from the post office, to accept your retiring pieces of art, jewelry and other previously precious items that need to be moved to make way for the new.

Then, we will help them find new homes where once again they will be treasured, the renowned gallery will receive financial support, and you will get a tax deduction!

The Secondhand Rose Art, Jewelry and Artful Accessories sale will be held the following Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the same location. This has been a successful fundraiser in the past for the gallery, which offers a venue for contemporary art, free art education programs for the community and schools, as well as experimental and traditional theater and music in the Artspace Underground.

Upstairs Artspace has been an important part of the well-respected Tryon arts community for 37 years and grows in prestige with every new show and innovative program.

“This is a unique event in the quality of the art that is for sale, an important fundraiser for the gallery, and one that has been hugely successful in the past,” says event chair, Mary Prioleau. “There was a line around the block waiting for the opening last time! I know we will have every bit as many exciting pieces as we did then.”

Imagine a clean space waiting for you and what your new eyes will see in the bright light of spring (possibly at the Secondhand Rose sale), appreciative new owners for your painting, jewelry, pottery or craft, and a nice tax deduction for next April.

Bring those special pieces to the store at 90 Pacolet Street this weekend to help make the Secondhand Rose event a success, and support contemporary art and art education in Tryon.

For more information about the Secondhand Rose sale and other events visit upstairsartspace.org, or stop in the gallery to talk with us. The gallery, at 49 South Trade Street, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

-Submitted by Clare O’Sheel